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There will be a Stanley Cup parade in Ottawa in 2012, and no, that’s not a playoff prediction.

The Ottawa Senators unveiled the schedule for the NHL All-Star weekend, which kicks off in the capital with an NHL trophy procession — featuring the coveted Cup, along with the Hart, Conn Smythe and Vezina trophies — along the Rideau Canal Skateway on Thursday, Jan. 26.

The Skills Competition goes Saturday, Jan. 28 before the weekend closes with the 59th annual All-Star Game at Scotiabank Place Sunday at 4 p.m.

The Stanley Cup and other trophies will be displayed at the Ottawa Convention Centre, where the official NHL Fan Fair starts on Jan. 26 at 3 p.m. and continues through the weekend.

“It’s the one time you let your guard down and you see (players) talking to each other a little bit more and getting to know each other. I think the fans will feel that vibe,” said Jason Spezza, who skated in his first and only All-Star Game in Atlanta in 2008.

“The experience I had was extremely memorable and the fans here will really enjoy it.”

Senators president Cyril Leeder compared the event to an international film festival, where “everybody that’s somebody special in our sport will be here for that weekend.”

“It’ll be hard to move anywhere in downtown Ottawa without bumping into somebody that you recognize,” he said.

One weekend highlight promises to be the Energizer Night Skate along the Rideau Canal on Jan. 27, where thousands are expected to don headlamps to illuminate the Skateway.

“Every year as a league we try to top our (prior) events,” said NHL director of integrated marketing Kyle McMann. “This year, I can confidently say we’ve done just that. I can’t imagine anything we’ve done in recent memory that has the potential to be as visually powerful as the event promises to be.”

Registration — $20 per person and $15 for those 12 and under — benefits the Sens Foundation and its community rinks project.

As for making the All-Star roster, Spezza said he’s been too busy to cast a ballot for himself, but said he and his teammates keep a close eye on the online fan vote tally.

ALL-STAR WEEKEND ACTIVITIES

Thursday, Jan. 26

2:30 to 3 p.m.
The NHL Trophy Procession features the Stanley Cup, Hart, Conn Smythe and Vezina trophies on the Rideau Canal Skateway from Waverley St. to Daly Ave., ending at the Ottawa Convention Centre.
3 to 10 p.m.
The official Fan Fair kicks off three days of family-friendly interactive games, trophy and memorabilia displays, live broadcasts, music, food and other attractions at the Ottawa Convention Centre. The festivities continue Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets available at capitaltickets.ca.
8 to 9:30 p.m.
The NHL All-Star Fantasy Draft features team captains drafting their rosters at the Casino Lac-Leamy.

Friday, Jan. 27

7 p.m.
The Energizer Night Skate illuminates the Skateway with skaters donning headlamps in support of the Sens Foundation’s community rinks program. The registration fee — $20 per person and $15 for those under 12 — helps build 19 proposed outdoor rinks in “priority communities” in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.
Online registration is at energizernightskate.ca.

Saturday, Jan. 28

9 a.m. to noon
The Junior Skills national championship pits the most skilled young hockey players, between 7 and 12, with regional finalists showcasing their skills in skating, shooting accuracy, passing accuracy and puck control on the Skateway.
7 to 9 p.m.
The NHL All-Star Skills Competition at Scotiabank Place has the NHL’s best showing off their skating, puck-handling and shooting skills.

Sunday, Jan. 29

4 p.m.
The weekend culminates with the 59th annual NHL All-Star Game at Scotiabank Place.